Councillors give new Aldi the green light

A BUDGET supermarket will be built in Benfleet after plans were rubber-stamped by councillors.

An Aldi store is set for the run-down 1.32-acre site of the old Focus DIY store, in Rushbottom Lane, at the Tarpots junction, after the proposals were unanimously agreed by Castle Point Council’s planning committee.

Councillors hope the new store will boost trade in the Tarpots area and the free car park attached to the store will attract even more shoppers to the area.

Tom Skipp, conservative councillor for Appleton Ward, said: “I am very pleased that the members of the council agreed this was the appropriate development for this site.

“It is in a key location near the town centre area.

“I spoke to some of the businesses and there was a general consensus it would complement their businesses.

“I hope the Aldi will provide more attraction to the town centre area and attract more customers.”

Aldi plans to start work on the new development, which will create approximately 30 new jobs, within the next three years.

The development will also include a 104-space car park, which will include 90-minute free parking for those visiting the town – including non-Aldi customers.

A plan to reintroduce a righthand turn off the A13 into the main junction in Rushbottom Lane has also been approved by Essex County Council.

This will improve access into the car park and it is hoped it will also help bring more people into the town centre.

Not another supermarket! When more and more people are shopping on line, we really don't need these ugly buildings with their garish signs. What are the council allowing to happen to this part of the Essex? Massive great estates of characterless houses and depressing supermarkets. No more schools, open spaces, leisure facilities - and the same old crowded roads.

Not another supermarket! When more and more people are shopping on line, we really don't need these ugly buildings with their garish signs. What are the council allowing to happen to this part of the Essex? Massive great estates of characterless houses and depressing supermarkets. No more schools, open spaces, leisure facilities - and the same old crowded roads.I care about rayleigh

I care about rayleigh wrote:
Not another supermarket! When more and more people are shopping on line, we really don't need these ugly buildings with their garish signs. What are the council allowing to happen to this part of the Essex? Massive great estates of characterless houses and depressing supermarkets. No more schools, open spaces, leisure facilities - and the same old crowded roads.

As things get harder people will be more concerned with the view in their fridge rather than the view out their home or car window.

[quote][p][bold]I care about rayleigh[/bold] wrote:
Not another supermarket! When more and more people are shopping on line, we really don't need these ugly buildings with their garish signs. What are the council allowing to happen to this part of the Essex? Massive great estates of characterless houses and depressing supermarkets. No more schools, open spaces, leisure facilities - and the same old crowded roads.[/p][/quote]As things get harder people will be more concerned with the view in their fridge rather than the view out their home or car window.ThisYear

runwellian wrote:
Great store, great prices and excellent service, this will make the the main supermarkets start looking at their overpriced junk food and rude staff.

It's going to hurt those who have, for too long overcharged the locals, for the basic food stuffs, fantastic news, and whilst the rubber stamps are still wet, hope they start looking at he other fiascos...

[quote][p][bold]runwellian[/bold] wrote:
Great store, great prices and excellent service, this will make the the main supermarkets start looking at their overpriced junk food and rude staff.[/p][/quote]It's going to hurt those who have, for too long overcharged the locals, for the basic food stuffs, fantastic news, and whilst the rubber stamps are still wet, hope they start looking at he other fiascos...Nowthatsworthknowing

DutchCyclist wrote:
Great news but to start the new development within the next 3 years could mean a rather long wait for a much anticipated store.

I thought Aldi wanted this store to be opened by January 2015.

Also great about the right hand turn being reinstated - absolutely ridiculous idea to have stopped right hand turn there in the first place. From the original plans I though it said they wanted to stop right hand turns on road between Tarpots and Sadlers Farm i.e. to prevent traffic build up

[quote][p][bold]DutchCyclist[/bold] wrote:
Great news but to start the new development within the next 3 years could mean a rather long wait for a much anticipated store.[/p][/quote]I thought Aldi wanted this store to be opened by January 2015.
Also great about the right hand turn being reinstated - absolutely ridiculous idea to have stopped right hand turn there in the first place. From the original plans I though it said they wanted to stop right hand turns on road between Tarpots and Sadlers Farm i.e. to prevent traffic build upIdontknowy

I care about rayleigh wrote:
Not another supermarket! When more and more people are shopping on line, we really don't need these ugly buildings with their garish signs. What are the council allowing to happen to this part of the Essex? Massive great estates of characterless houses and depressing supermarkets. No more schools, open spaces, leisure facilities - and the same old crowded roads.

This development is going onto a brownfield site.

[quote][p][bold]I care about rayleigh[/bold] wrote:
Not another supermarket! When more and more people are shopping on line, we really don't need these ugly buildings with their garish signs. What are the council allowing to happen to this part of the Essex? Massive great estates of characterless houses and depressing supermarkets. No more schools, open spaces, leisure facilities - and the same old crowded roads.[/p][/quote]This development is going onto a brownfield site.Howard Cháse